Despite parading the name for over a decade now, Axl Rose is really the only original member of the Appetite for Destruction-era of Guns N’ Roses. Sure, Dizzy Reed is on keyboards and he’s been a member since shortly before Use Your Illusion I and II were released, but that’s not really saying much. When it comes down to it, the members that fans surely associate the ol’ band name with are Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Matt Sorum (or Steven Adler for the real nostalgics). Unfortunately, all of those names haven’t been on the official “roster” since the last time a Democrat won an election. What if that all changed, though?

Lately, there’s been a lot of eye brow raising incidents that have circulated over at the GN’R camp. For one, guitarist Robin Finck is back with NIN for the summer, leaving Axl’s group with no lead guitarist. Then there’s word that bassist Tommy Stinson might pursue a reunion with his ol’ band, The Replacements (let’s hope!). It would seem as though GN’R (or what’s left of it) is dissolving; however, we know that’s not the case, considering there’s been a steady flow of news regarding the proposed upcoming release of Chinese Democracy. Starting with the Dr. Pepper ordeal, continuing with Rose’s response, and landing with word of new management and confirmation the album is complete.

Then things started to get a little more interesting. Coincidentally, Velvet Revolver loses their lead singer, leaving the ex-Guns to hold a circus sideshow, where they’ll look for new talent. Now there’s word that Axl Rose and Slash were seen at a hotel together, though these are still rumors. It also doesn’t help when your ex-frontman, Scott Weiland, insists, on national radio no less, that the best option is to get the ol’ band back together. Oh, did I mention that Brian Mantia, who was the previously consistent drummer for GN’R, is still taking a leave of absence? And that, for a couple of shows in 2006 and 2007, former guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined on-stage?

Call it what you will, but if you put the puzzle pieces together (and mind you, these are very dreamy puzzle pieces), the idea of an actual reunion could happen. And if there ever were a time, it would be now. But, really, could you imagine it? With Pink Floyd having taken the stage in 2005, Zeppelin last year in December, what is left for rock n’ roll? This would be paramount to the rest. Hell, the tour alone would incite riots worldwide.

Well, until then, we’ll just have to save the Molotov cocktails for later and keep dreaming. Or will we?

Check Out:
“November Rain”
“I.R.S.”

TAGGED AS: Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver